Picture walking through your front door. Does the space feel like a sanctuary? An oasis? It should, says Karen Lehrman Bloch, author of The Inspired Home. To prove her point, Bloch interviewed designers, architects, and artists about their homes (and yes, envy-inducing pics are included). Here, we narrow down nine design tips for a home that truly feels like you… whatever that may mean.
Authenticity
It’s easy to obsess over glossy living magazines or Pinterest boards, but your home is much more personal. In every step of the design process, ask yourself: Does this feel true to me?
Let Go of What It “Should” Look Like
A sitting room should be cozy and full of plush surfaces, right? Not necessarily. Open spaces and geometric shapes can be just as inviting – and even more aesthetically pleasing.
Embrace Natural Materials
Nothing creates a sense of authenticity like elements found in nature. In unexpected places, like a kitchen, wood and stone lend an earthy quality to a functional space.
Think of It as Collecting, Not Decorating
Instead of panic-filling empty space with random décor, adorn your home with things that matter to you. Collect treasures and special pieces that make you smile whenever you see them.
Balance
A well-balanced home brings out the best in you. Are you often stressed? Curved lines and soft surfaces may help. Need a little more structure? Straight edges and hard lines lend strength.
Pay Attention to Proportion
If you have a focal point, make sure to supplement it with other strong pieces. Take this oak wardrobe: An oversized picture frame and a striped rug keep the proportions in check without sacrificing drama.
Harmony Does Not Equal Boring
A truly harmonious space is soothing but still stimulating (and never bland). Try to find objects that are beautiful on their own but become truly captivating when woven together.
Find Pieces with a Common Thread
Seemingly mismatched accents can work if they share a theme, like a color palette or an origin. This living room could feel random, but the unfinished wood and the neutral hues tie it all together.
Grandeur
Bloch describes grandeur as something that can “help us feel simultaneously in awe of the universe and connected to it.” You should be able to kick up your feet and relax in your home – but also see beauty in your surroundings.
Strive for Not-Too-Perfect Symmetry
While it may be satisfying to see a perfect pair, sometimes it’s worth bending the rules. For example, balance a desk lamp with a bouquet of flowers for a more organic take on matchy-matchy.
Take Inspiration from History
There’s something enchanting about the beauty of a bygone era. Use reclaimed materials and antique pieces to evoke the past, while still allowing for modern touches.
Expand Your Definition of Elegant
Go beyond the obvious elements of what refinement means. Think: a solid white marble dining table. Elegance can be innovative and fresh, so long as it brings you joy.
By Sophie Dodd
